PESHAWAR: At least four militants were killed on Wednesday in a clash between security forces and militants in Bannu's Jani Khel area.

Official sources said that four militants were killed and one was injured during cross firing with security personnel in Jani Khel.

Separately, law enforcement agencies arrested at least twenty militants in Kurram Agency and Hangu district.

Law enforcement personnel also seized huge quantity of arms and ammunition from the arrested militants' possession.

A military offensive began last year in North Waziristan after a brazen attack on Karachi's Jinnah International Airport and brought an end to months of largely fruitless government efforts to negotiate a peace deal with the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Know more: All-out military operation launched in North Waziristan

Washington has long demanded action against militant hideouts in North Waziristan, which has served as a rear base for insurgents battling US-led forces in Afghanistan.

The area, one of seven semi-autonomous tribal regions on the Afghan border, has been an important base for the TTP, which has killed thousands in bombings and gun attacks during its seven-year insurgency.